Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema ruled out of decisive Champions League return leg
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of tomorrow’s decisive Champions League return leg against Atletico Madrid due to a ligament strain in his right knee. The club had previously held hope that the Frenchman would be fit … Continue reading →

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been ruled out of tomorrow’s decisive Champions League return leg against Atletico Madrid due to a ligament strain in his right knee.

The club had previously held hope that the Frenchman would be fit enough to start the match up front alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. However, after being rested this weekend against Malaga, the striker has not participated in training leading up to Wednesday’s crucial game and will not be included in the match day squad.

Benzema was diagnosed with a light ligament strain and told that playing against Atletico would be a risk. If he were to do so, the injury could become worse and result in a knee strain.

This news is the third injury blow in three days for Real Madrid heading into tomorrow’s return leg against Atletico Madrid.

On Sunday morning, Luka Modric was ruled out for six weeks after tests revealed the midfielder had suffered a medial collateral ligament sprain on his right knee during the club’s 3-1 win over Malaga.

The Croatian was substituted in the 59th minute after appearing to injure his knee following a collision with Malaga midfielder Recio.

Modric is in danger of missing the rest of Real Madrid’s league campaign. However, the Croatian is holding out hope that he can return in three to four weeks.

Yesterday, it was learned that Gareth Bale would also miss the return leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico after the forward was diagnosed with a muscle injury to his left soleus (calf).

Bale was removed from Saturday’s match after only five minutes. The initial fear around the club was that the Welshman had suffered a muscle tear to his left calf. However, tests were performed and Bale is expected to recover in two to three weeks.

Due to the loss of key personnel, manager Carlo Ancelotti will likely stick with the 4-4-2 formation he utilized this weekend against Malaga.

Isco will be brought into replace Modric in the midfield. But there are question marks as to who will step in for the injured Bale and Benzema.

Chicharito or Jese could be played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and speculation is Ancelotti may choose to start Pepe in midfield to counter Atletico’s strong presence in that area of the pitch.

Sami Khedira is an obvious midfield option. But the German international is out of favor in Madrid with his future destined to be away from the defending European and world champions.

Real Madrid have not beaten Atletico Madrid in seven meetings since claiming La Decima – their tenth European Cup – which included a 4-0 thumping in La Liga back in February.

Programming note: Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid will be shown LIVE on Wednesday at 2:45pm EST on FOX Sports 1 and FoxSoccer2Go.